Apparatus and method for nondestructive inspection of a vehicle
US5257088A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M17/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention tests a vehicle, such as an aircraft, using nondestructive interferometry. An interferometer detects movements in the vehicle surface due to stress. One applies such stress by pressurizing the vehicle. In one embodiment, a hood housing the interferometer attaches to the vehicle surface with the aid of a vacuum. One can vary the pressure in the vehicle in various ways, while monitoring the interferometer for signs of defects in the structure behind the surface. The invention also includes an arrangement for substantially automating the analysis. For example, one can automatically position the interferometer according to position information received from appropriate sensors, in combination with stored information about the structure of the vehicle. One preferably uses a real-time interferometer, such as an electronic shearography camera, in the present invention. One can quickly determine the location of defects by observing fringes on a video monitor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.